Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of transmitting beacon symbols in different symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in an OFDM configuration and on the same or different subcarriers to mitigate collision with beacon symbols from other sectors and grow the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods, comprising: determining one or more symbol periods for sending one or more beacon symbols in different symbol periods of a superframe and on different subcarriers to reduce or avoid collision with one or more disparate beacon symbols from a disparate source, the one or more symbol periods being determined from a subset of symbol periods useable for transmitting beacon symbols; and growing the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods by sending the one or more beacon symbols in the one or more determined symbol periods.
A method for transmitting beacon symbols in an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) system to avoid collisions between different base stations or sectors. The method involves determining specific symbol periods (time slots) within a superframe to send beacon symbols. These symbol periods are selected to reduce or eliminate interference with beacon symbols from other sources. By using different symbol periods, the system effectively increases the number of available channels for beacon symbol transmission, improving network capacity and reliability. Beacon symbols can be sent on the same or different subcarriers.
2. The method of claim 1 , the one or more beacon symbols and the one or more disparate beacon symbols are sent by one or more base stations or one or more sectors thereof.
This method of transmitting beacon symbols, as described previously, involves sending the beacon symbols and the potentially conflicting beacon symbols from base stations or sectors of those base stations. This focuses the implementation of the beacon transmission scheme specifically within the context of managing signals broadcast from base stations and/or their sectors.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining one or more subcarriers in the one or more symbol periods for sending the one or more beacon symbols; and sending the one or more beacon symbols on the one or more subcarriers.
Expanding on the beacon symbol transmission method, this also includes selecting specific subcarriers within the chosen symbol periods for transmitting the beacon symbols. The method then involves sending the beacon symbols on these selected subcarriers. Therefore, both the symbol period (time) and the subcarrier (frequency) are chosen to avoid collisions.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the one or more subcarriers is determined for the one or more symbol periods using a maximum distance separable (MDS) code.
In the method of selecting subcarriers for beacon symbols, at least one of the subcarriers is chosen for a particular symbol period using a Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) code. An MDS code is a type of error-correcting code that provides the maximum possible distance between codewords for a given code length and dimension, which is used to optimize separation and minimize interference, contributing to collision avoidance.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the one or more beacon symbols are chosen based at least in part on a identifier of a source of the one or more beacon symbols.
This beacon symbol transmission method involves choosing beacon symbols based on the identity of the source transmitting them. The selected beacon symbol is chosen at least in part based on an identifier of a source of one or more beacon symbols. Each base station or sector uses a unique beacon symbol to communicate its identity.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising encoding a sector identifier into a beacon code, the one or more beacon symbols being at least one symbol of the beacon code.
This beacon symbol transmission method includes encoding a sector identifier into a beacon code. The beacon symbols transmitted are at least one symbol of this beacon code. This ensures that the transmitted beacon symbol conveys information about the specific sector transmitting it.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more symbol periods are determined based at least in part on a predetermined network planning configuration.
In this method, the selection of symbol periods for transmitting beacon symbols is determined based on a pre-arranged network planning configuration. The configuration describes specific symbol timing for different sectors. This helps ensure a coordinated allocation of resources across the network, preventing signal collisions.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more symbol periods are determined based at least in part on beacon symbol timing information received regarding other sectors.
In this method, the selection of symbol periods for transmitting beacon symbols is determined based on beacon symbol timing information received from other sectors. This allows base stations to dynamically adjust their beacon transmissions based on awareness of other sectors, improving collision avoidance.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the beacon symbol timing information is received by a mobile device.
Regarding dynamic beacon symbol transmission, the beacon symbol timing information from other sectors is obtained by a mobile device. The mobile device receives signals from surrounding sectors. The base station uses the feedback from the mobile devices to prevent beacon symbol collisions.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the one or more symbol periods are determined pseudo-randomly based on the received beacon symbol timing information.
In the dynamic beacon symbol transmission scheme that uses received beacon timing information, the method involves determining the symbol periods pseudo-randomly based on the received beacon symbol timing information. This introduces an element of unpredictability to further avoid collisions and potentially reduce patterns that could be exploited by malicious actors.
11. A wireless communications apparatus that transmits one or more beacon symbols in different symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in an OFDM configuration and on the same or different subcarriers to mitigate collisions with beacon symbols from other sectors and grow the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods, comprising: at least one processor configured to select at least one symbol period and/or a subcarrier in a superframe in an OFDM configuration for transmitting a beacon symbol; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor.
A wireless communications device transmits beacon symbols in an OFDM system to avoid collisions. The device has a processor that selects a symbol period and/or subcarrier within a superframe for transmitting a beacon symbol. The processor is connected to a memory. This allows the system to increase the number of available channels for beacon symbol transmissions to improve network capacity and reliability. Beacon symbols can be sent on the same or different subcarriers.
12. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to transmit beacon symbols.
This wireless communications apparatus for transmitting beacon symbols, as described previously, includes the processor being further configured to actually transmit those beacon symbols. This reinforces the device's capability to not just select the timing and frequency but also to perform the action of broadcasting beacon signals.
13. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the at least one of the symbol period or the subcarrier is selected based on information regarding other wireless communications apparatuses sending beacon symbols.
This wireless communication apparatus selects symbol period or subcarrier for beacon transmission based on information from other wireless communication apparatuses sending beacon symbols. This information is used to avoid collisions, making the system more efficient and reliable.
14. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the information is received in communication with one or more mobile devices.
In the beacon transmitting wireless communications apparatus, the information regarding other wireless communications apparatuses is received via communication with one or more mobile devices. The mobile devices act as intermediaries, relaying information about other sectors to the device.
15. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the symbol period and/or the subcarrier are chosen based at least in part on an identifier related to the wireless communications apparatus.
The wireless communication apparatus selects the symbol period and/or subcarrier based on an identifier related to itself. The identifier could be a sector ID or base station ID. This ensures the device transmits its identity while minimizing collision with other beacon symbols.
16. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 11 , wherein a plurality of symbol periods and/or subcarriers are selected in a single superframe.
This wireless communication apparatus has the ability to select multiple symbol periods and/or subcarriers in a single superframe. This feature adds flexibility to the apparatus, letting it transmit multiple beacon symbols within a single superframe.
17. A wireless communications apparatus that transmits one or more beacon symbols during different symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in an OFDM configuration and on the same or different subcarriers to mitigate collisions with beacon symbols from other sectors to grow the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods, comprising: means for dividing a superframe into one or more symbol periods; means for synchronously communicating within the symbol periods; means for selecting one of the symbol periods for transmitting a beacon symbol to avoid collision with a second beacon symbol of another sector; and means for transmitting the beacon symbol in the selected symbol period.
A wireless communication device uses a superframe divided into symbol periods and synchronously communicates within these periods. It selects a symbol period to transmit a beacon symbol to avoid collisions with other sectors and uses a means for transmitting the beacon symbol in the selected symbol period.
18. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising means for selecting a subcarrier of the superframe for transmitting the beacon symbol to avoid collision with the second beacon symbol.
This wireless communication apparatus also includes a mechanism for selecting a subcarrier within the superframe for transmitting the beacon symbol to further avoid collisions with a beacon signal from a different sector. This offers another degree of freedom in avoiding interference.
19. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the subcarrier is selected using a maximum distance separable (MDS) code.
Within the described wireless communication apparatus that selects a subcarrier to avoid collisions, the subcarrier is chosen using a Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) code to maximize the distance between code words and minimize the risk of collision.
20. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising means for receiving information regarding the second beacon symbol.
In the described wireless communication apparatus, the device further comprises a mechanism for receiving information regarding the second beacon symbol. The apparatus can receive data about other sectors and their beacon transmission plans to avoid collisions.
21. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the beacon symbol or the one or more symbol periods are chosen based at least in part on a identifier of a source of the beacon symbol.
Wireless communications systems often require efficient synchronization and identification of devices in a network. A key challenge is ensuring reliable detection and decoding of beacon symbols, which are used for synchronization and identification purposes, while minimizing overhead and complexity. Existing solutions may not adequately balance these requirements, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization or performance degradation. This invention addresses these issues by providing a wireless communications apparatus that dynamically selects at least one of a beacon symbol or one or more symbol periods based on an identifier of the source of the beacon symbol. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit the beacon symbol during the selected symbol periods, and a receiver configured to detect the beacon symbol based on the selection. The beacon symbol may be a synchronization signal, a reference signal, or a combination thereof, and the selection process ensures compatibility with different network configurations and device types. By tailoring the beacon symbol or symbol periods to the source identifier, the system optimizes synchronization accuracy, reduces interference, and improves overall network efficiency. The apparatus may also include additional components, such as a processor to determine the selection criteria and a memory to store configuration parameters, ensuring adaptability to varying operational conditions. This approach enhances synchronization performance while minimizing resource overhead in wireless communications networks.
22. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the one or more symbol periods are selected based at least in part on a predetermined network planning configuration.
The wireless communications apparatus selects symbol periods based on a pre-configured network planning configuration.
23. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the one or more symbol periods are selected based at least in part on beacon symbol timing information received regarding other sectors.
This wireless communication apparatus selects its symbol periods based on beacon symbol timing information received from other sectors, enabling the apparatus to adapt to surrounding network conditions.
24. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the beacon symbol timing information is received by a mobile device.
Within the wireless communication apparatus, the timing information from other sectors is received from mobile devices.
25. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the one or more symbol periods are determined pseudo-randomly based on the received beacon symbol timing information.
In the wireless communications apparatus, the symbol periods are determined pseudo-randomly based on received timing information, enhancing collision avoidance.
26. A computer program product, comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising: code for causing at least one computer to determine a symbol period for sending a beacon symbol in different symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in an OFDM configuration and on different subcarriers and to reduce or avoid collision with a second beacon symbol from a disparate source, the symbol period being determined from a subset of symbol periods useable for transmitting beacon symbols; and code for causing the at least one computer to send the beacon symbol in the determined symbol period.
A computer program product contains instructions to determine a symbol period for sending a beacon symbol in an OFDM system to avoid collisions. The symbol period is selected from a subset of available symbol periods. The program also contains instructions to send the beacon symbol in the determined symbol period.
27. The computer program product of claim 26 , the computer-readable medium further comprising: code for causing the at least one computer to determine a subcarrier in the symbol period for sending the beacon symbol; and code for causing the at least one computer to send the beacon symbol on the subcarrier.
The computer program product also includes instructions to determine a subcarrier within the symbol period for sending the beacon symbol and instructions to send the beacon symbol on the selected subcarrier. The software determines both the time and frequency.
28. A wireless communication apparatus that transmits one or more beacon symbols in different symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in an OFDM configuration and on the same or different subcarriers to mitigate collisions with beacon symbols from other sectors and grow the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods, comprising: a processor configured to: divide a superframe into one or more symbol periods; synchronously communicate within the symbol periods; select one of the symbol periods for transmitting a beacon symbol to avoid collision with a second beacon symbol of another sector; and transmit the beacon symbol in the selected symbol period; and a memory coupled to the processor.
A wireless communication device is configured to divide a superframe into symbol periods, synchronize communication within these periods, select a symbol period to transmit a beacon symbol to avoid collisions, and transmit the beacon symbol. The device consists of a processor and a memory.
29. A method of receiving beacon symbols at multiple symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in an OFDM configuration and on the same or different subcarriers to mitigate collision with beacon symbols from other sectors and grow the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods, comprising: receiving beacon symbols from a plurality of transmitters, the beacon symbols being sent in a symbol period selected to reduce collision with the other transmitters; and decoding the received beacon symbols to obtain information comprised in the beacon symbols.
A method involves receiving beacon symbols at multiple symbol periods in an OFDM system to mitigate collisions. The method includes receiving beacon symbols from multiple transmitters, where the beacon symbols are sent in symbol periods selected to reduce collisions. Finally, the method includes decoding the received beacon symbols to obtain the information.
30. The method of claim 29 , wherein the transmitters relate to one or more sectors of one or more base stations in a wireless communications network.
The transmitters, in the method of receiving beacon symbols, relate to sectors of base stations in a wireless network, indicating that the system is specifically designed to manage inter-sector interference.
31. The method of claim 30 , further comprising transmitting beacon symbol information to the sectors regarding other sectors such that the other sectors can utilize the beacon symbol information in selecting symbol periods for the beacon symbols.
Expanding on the method of receiving beacon symbols, this includes transmitting beacon symbol information to the sectors regarding other sectors so the other sectors can utilize the beacon symbol information in selecting symbol periods for the beacon symbols.
32. The method of claim 29 , wherein the obtained information relates to one or more transmitter identifiers.
Within the method of receiving beacon symbols, the obtained information from the decoded beacon symbols relate to transmitter identifiers.
33. The method of claim 32 , wherein at least one transmitter is a sector and the obtained information further comprises an index of a preferred carrier of the sector.
In the method of receiving beacon symbols, when at least one transmitter is a sector, the obtained information also includes an index of the sector's preferred carrier.
34. The method of claim 29 , further comprising utilizing a timer to associate synchronous timing with the beacon symbols to determine a pattern or periodicity of the beacon symbols.
The beacon receiving method involves using a timer to associate synchronous timing with the beacon symbols to determine a pattern or periodicity of the beacon symbols.
35. The method of claim 29 , wherein the symbol periods of the beacon symbols are pseudo-random with respect to at least one other symbol period of a disparate beacon symbol.
In the method of receiving beacon symbols, the symbol periods of the beacon symbols are pseudo-random with respect to at least one other symbol period of a disparate beacon symbol.
36. A wireless communications apparatus that transmits one or more beacon symbols in different symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in an OFDM configuration and on the same or different subcarriers to mitigate collisions with beacon symbols from other sectors and grow the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods, comprising: at least one processor configured to receive and decode a plurality of beacon symbols sent from one or more sectors during different symbol periods in a synchronous wireless communications network; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor.
A wireless communication device that receives and decodes multiple beacon symbols sent from different sectors during different symbol periods in a synchronous wireless network has a processor and memory.
37. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to use beacon code information to decode the beacon symbols to obtain additional information regarding the beacon symbols.
In the wireless communications apparatus, the processor is configured to use beacon code information to decode the beacon symbols to obtain additional information.
38. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to decode the plurality of beacon symbols yields at least one identifier for the one or more sectors.
Within the described wireless communication apparatus, the decoding of the beacon symbols yields at least one identifier for the sector.
39. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to transmit beacon symbol information to the sectors regarding other sectors such that the other sectors can utilize the beacon symbol information in selecting symbol periods for the beacon symbols.
This wireless communications apparatus sends beacon symbol information to other sectors about beacon symbol timing. This enables the other sectors to better coordinate their beacon transmission to avoid collisions.
40. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to utilize a timer to associate synchronous timing with the plurality of beacon symbols to determine a pattern or periodicity of the beacon symbols.
Within the receiving wireless communication apparatus, a timer is used to associate timing with the beacon symbols and discover patterns.
41. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 36 , wherein symbol periods of the beacon symbols are pseudo-random with respect to at least one other symbol period of a disparate beacon symbol.
The wireless communications apparatus is designed so that the symbol periods of the beacon symbols are pseudo-random with respect to other symbol periods of disparate beacon symbols to avoid signal interference.
42. A wireless communications apparatus for receiving beacon symbols at multiple symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in an OFDM configuration and on the same or different subcarriers to mitigate collisions with beacon symbols from other sectors and grow the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods, comprising: means for synchronously communicating in a wireless communications network; means for receiving a first beacon symbol in a first symbol period in a superframe; means for receiving a second beacon symbol in a second symbol period of the superframe; and means for decoding the first and second beacon symbols to identify one or more sectors transmitting the beacon symbols.
A wireless communication device synchronously communicates, receives a first beacon symbol in a first symbol period, receives a second beacon symbol in a second symbol period, and decodes the beacon symbols to identify the sectors transmitting them.
43. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 42 , the decoding of the first and second beacon symbols performed asynchronously.
In the wireless communication device, the decoding of the beacon symbols is performed asynchronously.
44. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 42 , further comprising means for transmitting beacon symbol information to the one or more sectors regarding other sectors such that the one or more sectors can utilize the beacon symbol information in selecting symbol periods for beacon symbols.
The wireless communication device also has the functionality to transmit beacon symbol information to other sectors.
45. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 42 , further comprising means for decoding the first and second beacon symbols to identify an index of one or more preferred carrier of the one or more sectors.
This invention relates to wireless communications systems, specifically improving carrier selection in multi-sector networks. The problem addressed is efficiently identifying preferred carriers in a multi-sector environment to optimize network performance and reduce interference. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to obtain first and second beacon symbols transmitted by one or more sectors of a wireless network. These beacon symbols contain synchronization and identification information. The apparatus further includes a decoder that processes these symbols to extract an index pointing to one or more preferred carriers associated with the sectors. The preferred carriers are selected based on network conditions, such as signal strength, interference levels, or load balancing requirements. By decoding the beacon symbols, the apparatus can quickly determine the optimal carriers for communication, reducing handover delays and improving overall network efficiency. The system may also include means for adjusting transmission parameters based on the identified preferred carriers to enhance data throughput and reliability. This approach enables dynamic carrier selection without requiring extensive signaling overhead, making it suitable for high-density wireless networks.
46. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 42 , further comprising means for utilizing a timer to associate synchronous timing with the first and second beacon symbol to determine a pattern or periodicity of the first and second beacon symbol.
The wireless communication apparatus uses a timer to associate synchronous timing with the beacon symbols to determine a pattern or periodicity of those beacon symbols.
47. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the first symbol period is pseudo-random with respect to the second symbol period.
The wireless communications apparatus is designed so the first symbol period is pseudo-random with respect to the second symbol period.
48. A computer program product, comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising: code for causing at least one computer to receive beacon symbols from a plurality of transmitters, the beacon symbols being sent in a symbol in different symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in OFDM configuration and on different subcarriers to reduce collision with the other transmitters; and code for causing the at least one computer to decode the received beacon symbols to obtain information comprised in the beacon symbols.
A computer program product includes instructions to receive beacon symbols from a plurality of transmitters in an OFDM configuration and to decode the received beacon symbols.
49. The computer program product of claim 48 , wherein at least one transmitter is a sector and the obtained information further comprises an index of a preferred carrier of the sector.
The computer program product is such that at least one transmitter is a sector and the obtained information also includes an index of a preferred carrier of the sector.
50. A wireless communication apparatus that transmits one or more beacon symbols in different symbol periods or time slots of a superframe in OFDM configuration and on the same or different subcarriers to mitigate collisions with beacon symbols from other sectors and grow the number of available independent channels for beacon symbol transmissions as a factor of the additional available symbol periods, comprising: a processor configured to: synchronously communicate in a wireless communications network; receive a first beacon symbol in a first symbol period in a superframe; receive a second beacon symbol in a second symbol period of the superframe; and decode the first and second beacon symbols to identify one or more sectors transmitting the beacon symbols; and a memory coupled to the processor.
A wireless communication device that receives beacon symbols from different sectors has a processor that synchronously communicates, receives a first beacon symbol, receives a second beacon symbol, and decodes them. The device consists of a processor and memory.
Unknown
November 11, 2014
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.